LUCY-BELLE Williamson has been invited to join the British Fencing Talent Programme despite being just 13-years-old.

The Earby fencer trained alongside athletes 10 years her senior at the weekend after impressing national coaches following a string of impressive performances.

The call-up is in recognition of the talented teenager’s dedication to the sport culminating with a seventh place finish at the Under 17s National Championships in Nottingham University during the summer holidays.

The John Fisher and Thomas More High School pupil beat two members of the current GB Under 17 squad - both two years older than her - to secure a memorable top 10 place.

Following on from her Nottingham heroics, Lucy-Belle competed in the first of the Under 20 National ranking tournaments at the British Fencing National Training Centre in London where she finished in 14th place.

Her combined results give Lucy-Belle a GB national ranking of fifth place and all but secures her selection to the National Squad to compete in Austria later this year.

Dad Ian Williamson, who is also his daughter’s coach, admits it can be difficult to strike the right balance between the two - but it is a partnership that is definitely working.

“It is difficult to switch hats from parent to coach and Lucy-Belle sometimes struggles to move from daughter to student but we have found a nice balance that works for her,” he said.

“I am very proud both as her father and coach. She sacrifices so much and has given nearly her entire summer holiday to training taking just a one week break.

“She really does deserve the invitation to Talent Programme and I know she will make the most of the opportunity.”

Lucy-Belle was also invited by Scottish Fencing to join them on their training camp for a week at the Scottish National Sports Training Centre and has also just finished a week in Cardiff with the Welsh Under 17 fencers.

During the Scottish Camp, Lucy-Belle received a personal invite from one of Italy’s top coaches to spend some time out in Italy training with them.

“This is a great opportunity and one that Lucy-Belle will be exploring next year.,” added her dad.

For now, Lucy-Belle will be turning her focus once again onto international results with the European Under 17 circuit about to begin.